Reduced mechanical function of the left atrial predicts adverse outcome in pregnant women with clustering of metabolic risk factors

Introduction The left atrial (LA) strain and strain rate are sensitive indicators of LA function. However, they are not widely used for the evaluation of pregnant women with metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the LA strain and strain rate of pregnant women with clustering of metabolic risk factors and to explore its prognostic effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods Sixty-three pregnant women with a clustering of metabolic risk factors (CMR group), fifty-seven women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH group), fifty-seven women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM group), and fifty matched healthy pregnant women (control group) were retrospectively evaluated. LA function was evaluated with two-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging. Iatrogenic preterm delivery caused by severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, and fetal distress was regarded as the primary adverse outcome. Results The CMR group showed the lowest LA strain during reservoir phase (LASr), strain during contraction phase (LASct) and peak strain rate during conduit phase (pLASRcd) among the three groups (P < 0.05). LA strain during conduit phase (LAScd) and peak strain rate during reservoir phase (pLASRr) in the CMR group were lower than those in the control and GDM groups (P < 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated systolic blood pressure (HR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p = 0.001) and LASr (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92, p < 0.0001) to be independent predictors of iatrogenic preterm delivery. An LASr cutoff value ≤ 38.35% predicted the occurrence of iatrogenic preterm delivery. Conclusions LA mechanical function in pregnant women with metabolic aggregation is deteriorated. An LASr value of 38.35% or less may indicate the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Labetalol-Induced Hepatotoxicity during Pregnancy: A Case Report

Background Drug-induced liver injury is a common cause of transaminitis, occurring in up to 5% of patients who are hospitalized for liver failure. In pregnancy, transaminitis is seen in conditions which may require expedited delivery. Case A 39-year-old G2P0010 at 272/7 weeks' gestation with chronic hypertension on labetalol was found to have elevated transaminases. Evaluation for preeclampsia, acute fatty liver, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cholelithiasis, infections, and autoimmune conditions were all negative. Labetalol was then discontinued, and liver biopsy was performed. After discontinuation of labetalol, her hepatitis improved, and she was discharged on hospital day 12 and went on to deliver at term. Conclusion Labetalol-induced hepatitis should be considered in the differential for transaminitis during pregnancy to prevent iatrogenic preterm delivery.

Changes in incidence of iatrogenic and spontaneous preterm births over time: a population-based study

To examine the proportion of iatrogenic births among all preterm births over a 26-year period.A registry-based survey of preterm deliveries between 1987 and 2012 analyzed by the onset of labor: spontaneous with intact membranes, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) or iatrogenic. Stratification into categories by gestation (22 weeks to 27 weeks and 6 days, 28 weeks to 31 weeks and 6 days, 32 weeks to 33 weeks and 6 days, 34 weeks to 36 weeks and 6 days) was performed. Preterm birth rates were analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel linear-by-linear associationOverall preterm birth rate was 5.9% (31328 deliveries) including 2358 (0.4%) before 28 completed weeks, 3388 (0.6%) between 28 weeks and 31 weeks 6 days, 3970 (0.8%) between 32 weeks and 33 weeks and 6 days, and 21611 (4.1%) between 34 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days There was an increase in overall preterm birth rate (P<0.001). The rate of iatrogenic preterm births and PPROM increased over time (P<0.001 and P<0.014, respectively). Rates of spontaneous preterm birth decreased (P<0.001). After accounting for potential confounders, year of birth remained an independent risk factor for iatrogenic preterm delivery in all four gestational age categories (P<0.001).The incidence of iatrogenic preterm birth is increasing with a concomitant decrease in the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth. Attempts to analyze, interpret and decrease preterm birth rates should consider spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm births separately.